Derek Tran

Early returns showed strong support for the incumbent in the race for California’s 45th Congressional District, where Derek Tran is running for a second term.

This race drew five Republican challengers: entrepreneur Mark Leonard, Westminster Mayor Chi “Charlie” Nguyen, former Cerritos Mayor Chuong V. Vo, real estate businessman Tom Vo and Westminster Councilmember Amy Phan West.

Tran is an attorney who was first elected to Congress in 2024, defeating incumbent Rep. Michelle Steel. He jumped out to a strong early lead in the first results posted Tuesday. Chuong V. Vo and Nguyen were in a close fight for the second spot.

“I’m incredibly humbled by tonight’s results and to represent my community in Congress,” Tran said in a statement Tuesday night. “Thank you to my family and friends, my team, and to all the amazing volunteers who have been knocking on their neighbors’ doors since January.

“I’m proud of this history-making campaign. This is one of the most diverse districts in the country. It is home to the largest Vietnamese diaspora in the world, and I am incredibly proud to not only be the first Vietnamese American to represent my community here, but to be a voice for every person in this district – regardless of their party, background, or income. I am guided by what is best for my community, my country, and my conscience.”

LIVE ELECTION RESULTS: See a chart of the latest vote counts

Leonard is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who has served in Afghanistan and the California National Guard.

Nguyen is an electrical engineer who immigrated to the U.S. from Vietnam as a teenager.

Chung V. Vo is a retired police officer who has served on the Cerritos City Council.

A Vietnam War veteran who also immigrated to the U.S., Tom Vo is the founder of Tom Vo’s Taekwondo Studios.

West, too, came to the U.S. from Vietnam at a young age. She started a car rental business.

This district includes Buena Park, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove and Westminster in Orange County, as well as Artesia and Cerritos in L.A. County.

Nearly 39% of voters here are registered Democrats, about 30% are Republicans and 25% are no party preference.